Barnett Legacy Broad And Deep, Undimmed By Misstep Late In Life

Few people have climbed as high or fallen as far as Elliott Barnett, who died Monday at age 65.

Marvel at the depth and breadth and permanence of his footprints over 40 years in South Florida, but don't ignore the cautionary tale of his one serious misstep.

A wealthy attorney known for his brilliant legal mind, he founded a top-rated law firm, became an acknowledged expert in real estate and condominium law and provided sound legal guidance to many private clients and government agencies.

But he assumed an even more important and welcome role, that of community builder, leader, visionary, fund-raiser and benefactor.

He served as an attorney and lobbyist for developers of many local housing developments and shopping centers and office buildings, creating entire communities out of vacant land and playing a key role in the development of Broward County.

As legal counsel and fund-raiser for the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, he drew up agreements with state and local governments that made this extraordinary Fort Lauderdale cultural jewel a reality.

As attorney for Fort Lauderdale's Downtown Development Authority, he wrote a redevelopment plan that has transformed a once-stagnant downtown into one that is thriving and vibrant.

As chairman and president of the board, he lead efforts to build the Museum of Art in Fort Lauderdale.

Barnett also lent his wealth and leadership to helping the needy, donating to and raising funds for the United Way and serving as board chairman of the Salvation Army of Broward County, helping raise millions for a shelter.

A longtime resident of Fort Lauderdale, he had recently moved to Boca Raton.

After a lifetime of doing good, and to the dismay of anyone who knew him, he made a terrible and inexplicable decision to do wrong. In 1996, his law partners were shocked to discover that he had diverted $222,322 of the firm's money to his own bank accounts.

He resigned from the firm and from the Florida Bar, pleaded no contest to grand theft and was sentenced to seven years of probation.

Despite that lone case of wrongdoing, Barnett's extraordinary achievements in community building and betterment set a high standard for anyone to emulate, and he leaves a permanent legacy of excellence.